I have traded in my '99 E36 M3 for a used '02 M3 and have a few questions as it drives way different and was wondering if some folks could answer these.

1) I just noticed reading the forum that the cars built in 11/01 seem to have engine issues. The car was delivered on 11/27/01 and now has 17k on it. Am I sitting on a bomb or what can I do?

2) The shifting on the E36 M3 was easy and smooth. The 6 speed seems rough and hard to shift ocassionally. Is something wrong or is this normal and I need a shift kit.

3) Lots of new noises on the E46 M3. Just trying to see if it's normal or not. Lots of metallic noise at about 2800-3500. Doesn't sound good. Thoughts?

4) One last thing that is just annoying me to no end. Car feels like it has no power in "Normal Mode". Is there a way to set it so that it's always in sport mode? I don't understand why there is a button at all.

Thanks for your help in advance,
Steve

1. Car with production dates of 11/01 are having problems... not cars that were delivered on 11/01. Check the VIN label in the driver's side door jamb for the production date.

2. I don't know...

3. I don't know...

4. Not yet, but I'm sure somebody will think of a way.

Originally posted by callerys

4) One last thing that is just annoying me to no end. Car feels like it has no power in "Normal Mode". Is there a way to set it so that it's always in sport mode? I don't understand why there is a button at all.

Thanks for your help in advance,
Steve

I was wondering the same thing, as of now, there no way to activate "sport" with ignition! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Originally posted by callerys
I have traded in my '99 E36 M3 for a used '02 M3 and have a few questions as it drives way different and was wondering if some folks could answer these.

1) I just noticed reading the forum that the cars built in 11/01 seem to have engine issues. The car was delivered on 11/27/01 and now has 17k on it. Am I sitting on a bomb or what can I do?

2) The shifting on the E36 M3 was easy and smooth. The 6 speed seems rough and hard to shift ocassionally. Is something wrong or is this normal and I need a shift kit.

3) Lots of new noises on the E46 M3. Just trying to see if it's normal or not. Lots of metallic noise at about 2800-3500. Doesn't sound good. Thoughts?

4) One last thing that is just annoying me to no end. Car feels like it has no power in "Normal Mode". Is there a way to set it so that it's always in sport mode? I don't understand why there is a button at all.

Thanks for your help in advance,
Steve


1) There have just been a few issues with E46 M3... BMW just says just as long as you break in your car properly there will be no engines blowing up.... :rolleyes:

2) ??? Don't know I have SMG

3) That is the classic M3 rattle. Don't worry about it.. Your car isn't falling apart... It is the way the header was placed on all M3s.. Instead of doing a re-call on all M3 in the US. They just let us deal with it.. Nothing bad is going to come from the sound. If anything it makes it sound like a ricer... J/k

4) Normal mode is just alittle ghey for me also. Dinan makes a chip out for the E46 M3 that gives the car alittle bit more 'juice' in normal mode, so the average driver isn't in sport mode all the time hauling azz around in the Wal-Mart parking lots :)


Hope that helps..
Art

im so afraid of this blowing up stuff, my dads m3 was made in 9/01 is it ok??????????????????????????

Originally posted by flipm3
im so afraid of this blowing up stuff, my dads m3 was made in 9/01 is it ok??????????????????????????

it's close...

but don't be afraid to drive it. drive it how you want, enjoy it... if it blows, it blows and that's why you have a warranty. there is no point in being afraid of the car... cause then you will be sweating bullets everytime you drive it... and that's no fun.

Cars have been blowing from all kinds of production dates, even a few '02's.

My friends stick was prettys smooth but had the typical LONG throws of BMW's.

I don't notice any funny sounds in their car's.

and just dig into the gas pedal a little more.

The main thing I don't like about the new M3 is the light and kinda numb steering.

I checked the date and it was manuf. 10/01.

I think i'm just going to get a UUC short shifter.